Overcoming the Challenges of Teaching and Learning the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Programme through ODL: The NOUN Experience

Justus Sokefun and Ernest Ugbejeh
National Open University of Nigeria

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) even though widely accepted as a viable alternative to conventional mode of teaching and learning is not without challenges and skepticism. These are obvious in professional programmes. Bachelor’s (LL.M) degree progamme in law, to some cannot be effectively delivered via ODL. The general argument has been that some of the modules within the LL.B programme are procedural and the skills practical. As such, they are best learnt gradually and constantly in an enclosed everyday physical contact environment such as it exists in a residential university. This paper identifies these challenges as they affect teaching and learning of LL.B programme through ODL in general and at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in particular and exploit on the National Open University of Nigeria experience in running LL.B her programme in proffering solutions. The paper concludes that currently there are practical alternatives in National Open University of Nigeria that equal the advantages of the physical teaching and learning environment.